{"id":26850,"date":"2025-12-04T23:21:20","date_gmt":"2025-12-04T15:21:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/?p=26850"},"modified":"2026-01-13T03:09:37","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T19:09:37","slug":"national-health-insurance-japan-enrollment-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/national-health-insurance-japan-enrollment-guide.html","title":{"rendered":"National Health Insurance Japan for Expats: Step-by-Step Enrollment Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expats living in Japan for longer than three months can enroll in the National Health Insurance (NHI). The NHI is an insurance scheme that covers self-employed, unemployed, those who work less than 30 hours a week, international students, and retired residents aged 75 or younger.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you an expat moving to Japan? Are you unsure of how to secure <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/country\/asia\/japan-health-insurance\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">health insurance in Japan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">? The insurance experts at Pacific Prime created this guide to walk expats through the steps of enrolling in Japan\u2019s NHI scheme.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We will share why you need this insurance, an overview of the scheme, and the steps to enroll. We will also explain how expats can use their National Health Insurance to access medical services in Japan.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><div class='code-block code-block-73' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'>\n<link rel='stylesheet' href='https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/readable-child\/blog-banner\/compare-box\/css\/compare-73-new.css?v1.67' type='text\/css' media='all'\/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/compare-quotes\/step-one-name\/?campSource=PP-Blog&utm_campaign=Blog\" class=\"inserter-73-link CompareNowbutton\">\n  <div class=\"inserter-73-new\">\n    <div class=\"inserter-left-box\">\n        <h3>Kickstart Your Search for the Perfect Insurer<\/h3>        \n        <div class=\"inserter-compare-box\">\n            <p>Compare over <br>50,000 Plans <br>from Top Insurers<\/p>\n            <button >Compare NOW<\/button>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n    \n    \n    <div class=\"inserter-img-box\">\n        <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/readable-child\/blog-banner\/compare-box\/img\/mobile.png\" alt=\" \" class=\"banner-img-mobile\">            \n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/a>\n\n<style>\n\n.inserter-73-new .inserter-img-box amp-img {right: -31%;}\n@media (max-width: 1199px) {\n  .inserter-73-new .inserter-img-box amp-img {\n    right: -20px;\n  }\n@media (max-width: 991px) {\n  .inserter-73-new .inserter-img-box amp-img {\n    right: -10px;\n  }\n}\n@media (max-width: 768px) {\n  .inserter-73-new .inserter-img-box amp-img {\n    height: auto;\n    width: 30%;\n  }\n}\n@media (max-width: 512px) {\n  .inserter-73-new .inserter-img-box amp-img {\n    height: 200px;\n  }\n}\n<\/style>\n\n<\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why Expats Need to Enroll in Japan\u2019s National Health Insurance<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-26853 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/crowds-and-vehicles-moving-through-the-busy-streets-of-shibuya-japan.webp\" alt=\"Image of Crowds and vehicles moving through the busy streets of Shibuya, Japan with text overlay of &quot;Why Expats Need to Enroll in Japan\u2019s National Health Insurance&quot;\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/crowds-and-vehicles-moving-through-the-busy-streets-of-shibuya-japan.webp 1280w, https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/crowds-and-vehicles-moving-through-the-busy-streets-of-shibuya-japan-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/crowds-and-vehicles-moving-through-the-busy-streets-of-shibuya-japan-600x338.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/crowds-and-vehicles-moving-through-the-busy-streets-of-shibuya-japan-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/crowds-and-vehicles-moving-through-the-busy-streets-of-shibuya-japan-150x84.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expats who qualify for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/japanhpn.org\/en\/hs1\/#:~:text=NHI%20covers%20the,pay%20has%20increased\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">the National Health Insurance <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">need to enroll because it is<\/span><b> legally required to register in a public health insurance scheme after three months in Japan<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Failure to enroll in a public health insurance scheme can result in fees and the inability to renew or change your visa.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Eligibility for the National Health Insurance in Japan<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The National Health Insurance scheme is available for expats who are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/living-abroad-in-japan.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">living abroad in Japan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for longer than three months and fit one or more of the following criteria:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Self-employed<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unemployed<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Work less than 30 hours a week<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">International students<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Retired and aged 75 or younger<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some expats are <\/span><b>ineligible <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">for the National Health Insurance. Individuals who fit one of the following criteria are not eligible to enroll with the NHI:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Individuals and dependents covered under Employees\u2019 Health Insurance or a different Japanese public health insurance program\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Individuals enrolled in the Health Insurance Program for Senior Citizens (seniors are transferred from the NHI to this program after they turn 75)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Individuals receiving social assistance<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Individuals who have a \u201cdesignated activities\u201d status of residence and:\u00a0<\/span>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are in Japan to receive medical treatment or to provide everyday assistance for someone who is engaged in applicable activities\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"2\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are in Japan for sightseeing, recreation, or similar activities, or are an accompanying spouse of such a person, and have a period of stay for less than a year\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><div class='code-block code-block-24' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/compare-quotes\/step-one-name\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-4633\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Blog-Banner_Asia_5.jpg\" alt=\"blog banner asia 5\" width=\"1138\" height=\"493\" \/><\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Japan\u2019s National Health Insurance System<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.city.kita.lg.jp\/_res\/projects\/default_project\/_page_\/001\/001\/709\/kokuhonotebiki2025_english.pdf\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Health Insurance <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is one of the three health insurance schemes Japan offers its residents. There is also employer-based health insurance and health insurance for the advanced elderly (for individuals aged 75 and up).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The NHI is managed through the prefecture or municipality in which the insured lives.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The municipal insurer will handle the payment for medical expenses using the paid premium funds of those enrolled in the NHI as well as government subsidies.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expats who are enrolled in the NHI pay their insurance premiums based on their income.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Japan NHI insurance premiums are calculated for each member of the household and totaled on a per-household basis. The resulting amount is the premium then paid by the head of that household.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">National Health Insurance Benefits for Expats in Japan<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The National Health Insurance covers a variety of medical expenses in Japan, including most inpatient services and dental care. They do not cover vaccines or immunizations. Refer to the table below for more information on what is and is not covered.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td colspan=\"2\"><b>National Health Insurance Coverage<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Medicines and medicinal supplies<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Covered<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Treatments, surgeries, and other procedures<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Covered<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vaccines and immunizations<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not covered<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hospitalization<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Covered<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cosmetic procedures and orthodontics<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not Covered<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nursing care and in-home nursing care<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Covered<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Physicals and medical check-ups for members under 40<\/span><\/td>\n<td><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Not Covered<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">NHI members aged 40 to 74 are eligible for NHI vouchers for medical check-ups to screen for diabetes, high blood pressure, and other illnesses. NHI members will also receive a lump-sum benefit of JPY 500,000 (around USD $3,246) for pregnancy and childbirth as well as for stillbirth or miscarriage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An additional benefit is a sum paid toward funeral expenses if an insured member dies. The sum paid per member is JPY 70,000 (around USD $454). This benefit will not be paid if the insured has another insurance policy that covers funeral expenses.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To learn more about health insurance options in Japan, check out our article below:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/international-health-insurance-in-japan-foreigners-guide.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Health Insurance in Japan for Foreigners: Coverage, Costs &amp; How to Enroll<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><div class='code-block code-block-23' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/compare-quotes\/step-one-name\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-4633\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Blog-Banner_Asia_4.jpg\" alt=\"blog banner asia 4\" width=\"1138\" height=\"493\" \/><\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step-by-Step Enrollment Guide to Japan\u2019s National Health Insurance\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To enroll in Japan\u2019s National Health Insurance, you should follow three steps: gather your documents, visit your local city office, fill out your application, and receive your insurance card. These steps will be outlined in greater detail in the following sections.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step One: Gather Your Documents<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The first step of this process is gathering your documents, including items like your <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jp.usembassy.gov\/services\/visas-japan-u-s-citizens\/#:~:text=If%20you%20will,and%20Fukuoka%20Airport.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Residence Card<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, passport, proof of address, financial documents, additional documents for your dependents, and so on. Make sure all of these documents are correct and up to date.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The exact documents you will need may vary depending on your situation and the municipality, so expats are recommended to inquire with the relevant service counter for details.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step Two: Visit Your Local City Office and Fill Out Your Application\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will next take your documents to your local city or ward office. Japan has various municipalities, each with its own office where you will enroll in the NHI. You will need to enroll in the NHI at your local office within <\/span><b>14 days <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">of moving into the municipality.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will fill out your National Health Insurance application at the local city or ward office. Take your time with this application, ensuring all your information is correct.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Step Three: Receive Your My Number Card<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once your application is finished, you will receive a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ibmjapankenpo.jp\/eng\/member\/info\/mynumber.html#:~:text=Authority%20Information%20Systems)-,You%20can%20use%20your%20Individual%20Number%20Card%20as%20a%20health%20insurance%20card,-The%20amended%20Health\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">My Number Card<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. Your My Number Card will serve as proof that you are enrolled in the National Health Insurance and will act as your key to unlocking <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/health-care-in-japan-for-expats.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthcare in Japan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When visiting a clinic or <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/best-hospitals-in-japan-for-expats-and-visitors.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">hospital in Japan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, you will be required to present your My Number Card before you can receive medical services. A physical My Number Card is the most common card type, but Japan has begun rolling out digital copies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><div class='code-block code-block-22' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/compare-quotes\/step-one-name\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-4633\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Blog-Banner_Asia_3.jpg\" alt=\"blog banner asia 3\" width=\"1138\" height=\"493\" \/><\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Expats Can Use Their National Health Insurance in Japan\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-26856 aligncenter\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/aerial-view-of-tokyo-with-the-iconic-red-tokyo-tower-rising-above-the-cityscape.webp\" alt=\"Image of Aerial View Of Tokyo With The Iconic Red Tokyo Tower Rising Above The Cityscape with text overlay of &quot;How Expats Can Use Their National Health Insurance in Japan&quot;\" width=\"1280\" height=\"720\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/aerial-view-of-tokyo-with-the-iconic-red-tokyo-tower-rising-above-the-cityscape.webp 1280w, https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/aerial-view-of-tokyo-with-the-iconic-red-tokyo-tower-rising-above-the-cityscape-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/aerial-view-of-tokyo-with-the-iconic-red-tokyo-tower-rising-above-the-cityscape-600x338.webp 600w, https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/aerial-view-of-tokyo-with-the-iconic-red-tokyo-tower-rising-above-the-cityscape-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/aerial-view-of-tokyo-with-the-iconic-red-tokyo-tower-rising-above-the-cityscape-150x84.webp 150w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expats can use their National Health Insurance in Japan to access medical care in clinics and hospitals and to cover medication. The National Health Insurance coverage will pay for 70% of the medical bill, with the remaining 30% being the insured\u2019s responsibility.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Copay percentages are different for different age groups. Children up to age six and individuals aged 70 to 74 will only need to pay a 20% copayment for their medical services.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Pay Your National Health Insurance Premiums\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expats can pay their National Health Insurance premiums by bank transfer, in cash, or electronically. <\/span><b>NHI premiums are due on the last day of every month<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span> <span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If the last day of the month is a bank holiday, the premiums will be due on the following business day.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Learn more about the different ways you can pay your premium:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Bank Transfer:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Expats interested in paying via a bank transfer can set up automatic monthly withdrawals from their savings account. This payment method is often considered the most convenient.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Cash Pay:<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Expats can pay with cash at their bank, credit union, Japan Post Bank\/post office, convenience store, or local municipality office that handles payments.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><b>Electronic Pay: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expats can pay via smartphone payments by scanning the barcode on the payment slip. To learn more, check the website of your local municipality office for smartphone apps compatible with this payment method.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Using Private Health Insurance to Supplement NHI Coverage<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expats can purchase private health insurance to supplement their NHI coverage. This private health insurance can give them access to private hospital rooms, their choice of providers, and help with out-of-pocket costs left by their NHI plans.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Private health insurance providers like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/insurers-and-partners\/insurer-axa\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">AXA<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/insurers-and-partners\/insurer-cigna\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cigna Global<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/insurers-and-partners\/bupa\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bupa Global<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, and others offer international health insurance plans for expats in Japan. These plans have the added benefit of being globally portable, so expats can take them with them as they travel.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Private health insurance is not mandatory in Japan like the National Health Insurance is, but it can be an invaluable resource to expats looking for more coverage and peace of mind.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><div class='code-block code-block-21' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/compare-quotes\/step-one-name\/\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-4633\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/Blog-Banner_Asia_2.jpg\" alt=\"blog banner asia 2\" width=\"1138\" height=\"493\" \/><\/a><\/p><\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/span><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can international students apply to Japan\u2019s National Health Insurance?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">International students can apply for Japan\u2019s National Health Insurance. When an international student is receiving their Residence Card at their local city or ward office, they can also apply to enroll in the National Health Insurance scheme at the same time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What expats are eligible for the National Health Insurance in Japan?\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expats who are living in Japan for longer than 90 days and are self-employed, unemployed, those who work less than 30 hours a week, international students, and retired residents aged 75 or younger are eligible for the National Health Insurance.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to enroll in the National Health Insurance in Japan?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Enrolling in the National Health Insurance can be done in three steps: gathering necessary documents, visiting a local city office to fill out your application, and then receiving your My Number Card. Necessary documents may vary depending on the applicant&#8217;s circumstances.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Can foreigners get free healthcare in Japan?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Free healthcare is not available for foreigners in Japan. Foreigners staying for longer than three months can be eligible for the National Health Insurance scheme, which will offer subsidized healthcare. Expats will still need to pay 30% of their medical bills out of pocket.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does the National Health Insurance cover all medical treatments?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The National Health Insurance does not cover all medical treatments. Medical services not covered by the National Health Insurance include vaccines and immunizations, medical checkups for those under 40 years of age, cosmetic surgeries, and orthodontics.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do dependents enrolled with the NHI pay less for copayments?<\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dependents enrolled with the National Health Insurance under the age of six will only pay a 20% copayment on their medical services. Once these dependents are over the age of six, they will need to pay a 30% copayment on their medical bills.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span data-sheets-root=\"1\"><div class='code-block code-block-72' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'>\n<link rel='stylesheet' href='https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/readable-child\/blog-banner\/compare-box\/css\/compare-72-new.css?v1.47' type='text\/css' media='all'\/>\n<a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/compare-quotes\/step-one-name\/?campSource=PP-Blog&utm_campaign=Blog\" class=\"inserter-72-link CompareNowbutton\">\n        <div class=\"inserter-72-new\">\n            <h3>Start by Comparing <br>Insurance Plans Online<\/h3>\n            <div class=\"inserter-img-box\">\n                <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/wp-content\/themes\/readable-child\/blog-banner\/compare-box\/img\/desktop.png\" alt=\" \">\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"inserter-compare-box\">\n                <p>Browse and Compare 50,000+ <br>International Health Plans<\/p>\n                <button>Compare NOW<\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n    <\/a><\/div>\n<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conclusion:\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expats who register as residents in Japan must enroll in a public health insurance scheme. Expats who are unemployed, self-employed, students, part-time workers, or retired should enroll in the National Health Insurance. The NHI grants foreigners and locals universal healthcare.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Are you interested in finding supplemental private health insurance for Japan? Contact the insurance experts at Pacific Prime. We are partnered with a wide variety of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/top-japan-insurance-companies-expats.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">top international health insurance providers in Japan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and worldwide.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We are brokers with over 20 years of experience in offering insurance solutions to expats and digital nomads globally. We can help you understand insurance quotes and plans and offer our unbiased advice. If you\u2019d like to compare plans on your own, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/compare-quotes\/step-one-name\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">feel free to use our free quote generator<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019d like to read more helpful guides for expats in Japan, check out our articles below:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.pacificprime.com\/blog\/cancel-switch-health-insurance-japan.html\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Cancel or Switch Your Health Insurance in Japan<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Japan Health Insurance Cost Breakdown: Students, Expats, and Visitors<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Expats living in Japan for longer than three months can enroll in the National Health Insurance (NHI). The NHI is an insurance scheme that covers self-employed, unemployed, those who work less than 30 hours a week, international students, and retired residents aged 75 or younger. Are you an expat moving to Japan? Are you unsure &#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":54,"featured_media":26852,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_exactmetrics_skip_tracking":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1713,570],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-26850","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-expat-insurance","category-health"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>National Health Insurance Japan for Expats: Step-by-Step Enrollment Guide<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Are you an expat moving to Japan? 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